The second week of the 2025 NFL season wraps up tonight with a Week 2 ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader – because two games are always better than one.
It’s the first ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader of the season, which kicks off in Houston with the Texans hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their home opener. It’ll be a battle between two 2024 playoff teams.
The visitors are coming in off a Week 1 victory in which they bested the Atlanta Falcons, 23-20. Tampa Bay has ruled the NFC South for the last four seasons – crowned division champs in each – and is looking to start 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season.
Meanwhile, Houston took a tough road loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and the offense sputtered, failing to score a touchdown in the game, ultimately losing 14-9. Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will look to make an impact against the Buccaneers’ offensive line that will be without All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs for the second straight week.
Tampa Bay’s offense is also missing wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle he suffered last season. Still, the Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions; rookie Emeka Egbuka will look to replicate the success he achieved in his NFL debut alongside Mike Evans.
Houston’s defense is the team’s strength, led by coach DeMeco Ryans. The offense is aiming to gain momentum and secure a victory for the first time in 2025. Tampa Bay looks to improve to 2-0 despite starting the season with consecutive road matchups.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from ‘Monday Night Football’ below.
What time does the Texans vs. Buccaneers game start?
Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)
The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday. It’s the first of the ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader in Week 2.
What TV channel is Texans vs. Buccaneers?
TV channel: ABC, ESPN
The Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will be simulcast on ABC and ESPN on Monday night.
Where to watch Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Texans vs. Buccaneers is the first of the ‘Monday Night Football’ double-header tonight.
Date: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
TV: ABC and ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited | ESPN Select | Fubo
Watch all the action from the 2025 NFL season on Fubo
Texans vs. Buccaneers live odds, moneyline, over/under
Buccaneers vs. Texans injury report
Buccaneers vs. Texans prediction
Sometimes it boils down to the roster, and the Buccaneers simply have a better roster at the moment. The Texans offensive line is no bueno, the receiver situation is pretty questionable. The defense did look good in Week 1, as they held the Rams and the trio of Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to just 14 points. They take a small step down in competition this week vs. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, but expect the Bucs to play well on the road and snatch the win.
Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Texans 17
Texans QB CJ Stroud arrives for ‘Monday Night Football’
The Texans third-year quarterback has only played in one Monday Night Football game in his career – a 2024 Week 11 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He aims to make it 2-0 in prime time tonight.
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